Director, Intergovernmental Relations
Job No:
92260
Location:
Inuvik, Northwest Territories
- Receive a highly competitive salary of $105,000 plus additional allowances of $20,000 per year
- Live, work, and play in the scenic town of Inuvik - a place of rich diversity
- Enjoy a welcoming, supportive and close-knit environment and job security with the Gwich'in Tribal Council
About the Gwich’in Tribal Council
The GTC is an Indigenous organization that represents Gwich’in Participants in the Mackenzie-Delta of the Northwest Territories, Yukon and across Canada. The objectives of the GTC are to oversee important regional issues such as lands administration and resource management, intergovernmental relations, business development, corporate services, and of course, regional wellness.
The Gwich’in have traditionally used and occupied lands in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon from time immemorial. In July 1921, Chiefs and headmen representing the Loucheux (as we were then called) of Arctic Red River (now Tsiigehtchic) and Fort McPherson (also known as Teetl'it Zheh) signed Treaty 11 with King George V (the Crown), creating a special nation-to-nation relationship. Today, the Gwich'in are party to a modern land claim agreement, the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), finalized in 1992.
The GTC accomplishes its objectives through various wholly-owned organizations such as the Gwich’in Settlement Corporation and the Gwich’in Development Corporation. The GTC also cooperates with community-level Gwich'in organizations under the land claim.
For more info, please visit https://gwichintribal.ca
About the Town of Inuvik
Whether you are looking for northern arts and culture, remote rivers and wilderness, a chance to see arctic wildlife, a place to do business or just the occasion to relax and enjoy the midnight sun – Inuvik is your destination.
A place of rich diversity, Inuvik is Canada’s largest fresh water delta, close to the Arctic Ocean, with a spectacular view of the Richardson Mountains. Inuvik (place of people) is the homeland of the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples. Inuvik is nestled between the treeless tundra and the northern boreal forest, and overlooks the incredible maze of lakes and streams of the Delta.
With air and road transportation, access to Inuvik is convenient and offers adventure and great scenery. The Dempster Highway is an unforgettable driving experience that crosses the Arctic Circle and traverses mountain ranges and river crossings.
Inuvik has endless offerings. To learn more about Inuvik, please visit http://www.inuvik.ca or http://spectacularnwt.com
About the Opportunity
Currently, the Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) is seeking a seasoned Director, Intergovernmental Affairs to join their senior management team in Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Intergovernmental Relations is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio including the overall implementation of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (GCLCA), leading the Gwich’in preparation for Self-Government, and acting as the senior liaison between GTC and all levels of Government.
This will include accountability for protecting, developing and promoting the interest of the Gwich'in in the negotiation and implementation of Self-Government and ensuring mutually respectful intergovernmental relations between the Gwich'in government, and federal, provincial, and territorial governments are developed and maintained.
In addition, your responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing the overall implementation of the GCLCA, including working with Departmental Directors, GTC Executive, and various committees as appropriate
- Developing and overseeing the GCLCA 10-year Implementation Plan
- Working with the Intergovernmental Relations team to develop and deliver programs that support and enhance land claim implementation
- Leading all phases of GTC’s Self-Government negotiation process
- Leading the development of Framework Agreements, Agreements in Principle, and Final Agreements for Self-Government
- Leading the planning and development of policies in preparation for Gwich’in Self-Government including:
- Researching and developing policy recommendations
- Developing an organizational model and plan for the Gwich’in government
- Facilitating the creation and implementation of capacity building plans
- Functioning as GTC’s primary senior-level liaison with governments, including acting as the GTC representative at the regional, territorial and national levels
- Monitoring and maintaining GTC’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the GWNT and other governments
- Providing leadership, guidance, and direction for all programs and services delivered by the Intergovernmental Relations department
- Developing and maintaining an understanding of the various programs and funding sources available to assist with GTC’s Intergovernmental Relations initiatives
- Overseeing GTC’s consultation and engagement efforts relating to land claim implementation and Self-Government
- Providing advice to the Gwich’in Leadership and Participants in the development of negotiation mandates and strategies
Along with a degree in law, political science, public administration, policy or a related field, you must have a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
As our ideal candidate, you will have previous experience in negotiations and policy development in both the private and public sectors, ideally in a cross-cultural setting. You have experience in consultation and stakeholder engagement, a working knowledge of Land Claim Agreements in Canada.
You will also possess or be willing to obtain a knowledge of the overall GTC mandate, goals, and objectives and the political and social environment in which GTC operates.
As a proven leader, you will excel in this role if you have the strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required to develop and impart vision, direction, and policy both internally within the department and to a broader audience. Strong knowledge of project management and an ability to lead large and small projects from pre-planning to implementation and evaluation will be key to success.
To succeed in this role, you will need to be considered by staff and colleagues to be a positive and supportive coach and mentor who works to ensure staff members have the skills and ability to do their jobs, sets out clear objectives, removes roadblocks, provides counsel and advice when required and evaluates performance effectively.
This role involves a significant amount of travel within the Region and also within Canada. As a result, a valid Class 5 driver's licence is also required.
Previous experience working in an Aboriginal environment is preferred along with an understanding of the Gwich’in social and cultural issues and needs. Priority will be given to Participants of the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.
About the Benefits
In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with a highly competitive salary of $105,000 with the ability to grow within the salary range up to $130,000 based on annual performance. All employees also receive a generous and competitive benefits package, including:
- Additional allowances of $20,000
- Health and dental coverage
- Short and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Generous vacation and leave entitlements
- Relocation available for the right candidate
- Annual salary increases based on yearly performance review
Upon joining our team, you will encounter a close-knit team with a family-oriented team environment. A healthy work-life balance is encouraged, with our regular hours being 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with the added option of working a flexible schedule when you need it. There is also plenty of room and encouragement for professional development initiatives and taking on new responsibilities.
Above all, here at GTC we value our employee's well-being and provide a total of five (5) weeks of paid vacation time. In addition to this, we offer up to a further three (3) weeks of leave for personal reasons that are in line with GTC policies and encourage our team to engage in fully paid days for learning about Gwich’in culture and traditions and community volunteering in ways that align with GTC's mandate.
The Gwich’in Tribal Council offers a supportive, friendly workplace. If you're looking for a career with an energetic and progressive Aboriginal corporation, don’t miss this chance to Apply Now!